Texas Instruments RF430CL331HIRGTR

Overview

RF430CL331HIRGTR from Texas Instruments is an NFC Type 4B dynamic dual-interface transponder integrating ISO/IEC 14443B RF interface and I²C serial interface. It operates at 13.56 MHz, supports up to 848 kbps data rate, features 3 kB SRAM buffer, and enables NDEF message streaming via host controller. It is used in wireless pairing handover for Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi®.

For engineers reviewing the RF430CL331HIRGTR datasheet, RF430CL331HIRGTR pinout, RF430CL331HIRGTR application, or RF430CL331HIRGTR equivalent, key selection considerations include ISO/IEC 14443B compliance, I²C address configuration (E0–E2), pass-through operation mode, RF field–enabled supply current (10–40 µA), and antenna resonance tuning requirements (L_RES = 2.66 µH, C_RES = 51.8 pF).

Technical Context

The RF430CL331HIRGTR implements a dual-interface architecture where the RF front end handles ISO/IEC 14443B Layers 1–4 autonomously, while the MSP430-based processing unit manages I²C communication, NDEF buffer management, and host coordination. It uses load modulation for uplink and ASK demodulation for downlink with support for 106–848 kbps data rates.

Its memory architecture relies entirely on external host controller storage for full NDEF messages; the device retains only a 3000-byte SRAM buffer and registers for real-time command handling. Pass-through operation allows host-initiated updates without local NVM, and prefetching/caching improves throughput during sequential reads.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VQFN-16 package (3 mm × 3 mm) with exposed thermal pad; RoHS-compliant, moisture-sensitive level 2a per JEDEC J-STD-020.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NFC transponder applications.

Compared with NT3H2111W0FHKH and ST25DV02K-IER, RF430CL331HIRGTR uniquely supports ISO/IEC 14443B-only operation with host-managed NDEF streaming, making it optimal for systems where host MCU handles security, encryption, and large payload management - not just passive tag replacement.

Availability

RF430CL331HIRGTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless pairing, NFC firmware update, and contactless sensor interface applications requiring stable component supply across industrial and consumer product lifecycles.

Supply support for RF430CL331HIRGTR includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor company delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, and personal electronics markets.

The RF430CL331HIRGTR belongs to TI's Dynamic NFC/RFID Interface Transponder product line, designed specifically to enable seamless, secure, and low-power NFC handover between mobile devices and resource-constrained embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the RF430CL331HIRGTR?

The RF430CL331HIRGTR is an NFC Type 4B dynamic dual-interface transponder that bridges contactless NFC communication (ISO/IEC 14443B) with wired I²C connectivity to a host microcontroller. It enables NDEF message streaming, pass-through updates, and NFC-triggered handover for protocols like Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi®. Unlike static tags, RF430CL331HIRGTR relies on host-controlled memory and does not include nonvolatile storage.

Does the RF430CL331HIRGTR include on-chip nonvolatile memory?

No, the RF430CL331HIRGTR contains only 3 kB of SRAM buffer and control registers - no EEPROM or Flash. All NDEF message persistence must be managed externally by the host controller. This design enables unlimited NDEF size constrained only by host memory, but data is lost on power removal. The RF430CL331HIRGTR explicitly states "This device does not have nonvolatile memory" in its datasheet Section 5.7.

How is the I²C address configured on the RF430CL331HIRGTR?

The RF430CL331HIRGTR uses three hardware pins - E0, E1, and E2 - to configure the lower 3 bits of its 7-bit I²C address. With base address 0x30 (binary 0011000), setting E0–E2 defines values from 0x30 to 0x37. For example, grounding all three yields 0x30; pulling E0 high gives 0x31. This allows up to eight RF430CL331HIRGTR devices on the same I²C bus without software address reprogramming.

What antenna design parameters are required for reliable RF operation of the RF430CL331HIRGTR?

The RF430CL331HIRGTR requires a tuned LC resonant circuit at 13.56 MHz with L_RES = 2.66 µH and total C_RES = 51.8 pF (including internal C_IN ≈ 35 pF). Antenna peak voltage must stay ≤3.6 V, and tank impedance must be 6.5–15.5 kΩ. The device specifies Z = 6.5–15.5 kΩ, Q_T ≥30, and recommends low-ESR capacitors for C_VCORE, C_VCC, and resonance tuning.

Can the RF430CL331HIRGTR operate in peer-to-peer or reader/writer mode?

No. The RF430CL331HIRGTR operates exclusively in passive PICC (Proximity Integrated Circuit Card) mode per ISO/IEC 14443B. It does not support peer-to-peer or reader/writer functionality. All RF communication is initiated by an external PCD (Proximity Coupling Device), and responses occur via load modulation only. This is explicitly stated in Section 5.7: "This device does not support the peer-to-peer mode or the reader/writer mode."